MANILA, Philippines – Pinoy microbial oceanographer Dr. Deo Florence Onda recently made history after reaching the third deepest spot on Earth: Emden Deep located at the Philippine Trench.
Set from March 22 to 28, 2021, the Emden Deep Expedition was organized by the Caladan Oceanic organization aiming to explore the third known deepest spot on the Earth’s surface. Emden Deep is situated at the Philippine Trench and has a depth of approximately 10,400 meters (34,100 feet).
With the expedition to be held in Philippine territory, the organization decided to invite Onda to be part of the team who will be exploring the trench. He is joined by Victor Vescovo who holds the record for the deepest manned descent in the Marianas Trench in 2019. Vescovo also owns DSSV Pressure Drop.
A microbial oceanographer of the UP Marine Science Institute in the University of the Philippines (UP), Onda was excited to be part of the mission. The MSI calls this as a “major record-setting scientific and historic achievement”.
“The Philippine Trench is a unique feature found within the EEZ of the Philippines, and it is only appropriate that a Filipino scientist be one of the first to hold this record in the Emden Deep,” the MSI added.
Onda and Vescovo reached the third deepest spot on Earth on board the DSSV Pressure Drop. They transferred to DSV Limiting Factor, a special submarine capable of reaching and exploring the deepest oceans.
The state-of-the-art vessel can withstand the pressures of these areas, estimated to be as high as more than 15,000 psi. In comparison, the regular atmospheric pressure that we experience is only around 15 psi.
As they touched down Emden Deep, Onda proudly declared, “Sa mga Pilipino, ito po ang Emden Deep. Atin ‘to.”
After the historic moment, Onda and Vescovo raised the Philippine flag as Filipinos around the world cheered online.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
 |
| Photo credit: Facebook/Dr. Deo Florence Onda |
Set from March 22 to 28, 2021, the Emden Deep Expedition was organized by the Caladan Oceanic organization aiming to explore the third known deepest spot on the Earth’s surface. Emden Deep is situated at the Philippine Trench and has a depth of approximately 10,400 meters (34,100 feet).
With the expedition to be held in Philippine territory, the organization decided to invite Onda to be part of the team who will be exploring the trench. He is joined by Victor Vescovo who holds the record for the deepest manned descent in the Marianas Trench in 2019. Vescovo also owns DSSV Pressure Drop.
 |
| Photo credits: DSSV Pressure Drop |
A microbial oceanographer of the UP Marine Science Institute in the University of the Philippines (UP), Onda was excited to be part of the mission. The MSI calls this as a “major record-setting scientific and historic achievement”.
“The Philippine Trench is a unique feature found within the EEZ of the Philippines, and it is only appropriate that a Filipino scientist be one of the first to hold this record in the Emden Deep,” the MSI added.
Onda and Vescovo reached the third deepest spot on Earth on board the DSSV Pressure Drop. They transferred to DSV Limiting Factor, a special submarine capable of reaching and exploring the deepest oceans.
 |
| Photo credits: DSSV Pressure Drop |
The state-of-the-art vessel can withstand the pressures of these areas, estimated to be as high as more than 15,000 psi. In comparison, the regular atmospheric pressure that we experience is only around 15 psi.
As they touched down Emden Deep, Onda proudly declared, “Sa mga Pilipino, ito po ang Emden Deep. Atin ‘to.”
We've reached the Emden Deep. We've waved the Philippine Flag. We've set records. We have made history today. This is the Emden Deep in the Phiippine Trench. ATIN ITO! Honored to do this voyage with Victor Vescovo with support from the Caladan Oceanic on board the DSSV Pressure Drop and operated by EYOS Expeditions. The submersible was built by @Triton submarine. #IntoTheEmdenDeep
Posted by Deo Florence L. Onda on Tuesday, March 23, 2021
After the historic moment, Onda and Vescovo raised the Philippine flag as Filipinos around the world cheered online.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
